Road to Jordancdn.onthegotours.com/.../goguides/2016-Go-Guide-Road-to-Jordan-15-days.pdf · TRIP NOTES Road to Jordan Road to Jordan - 15 days updated on 24-11-2016 UK 020 7371 1113

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan15 days | Cairo to Amman

Road to Jordan - 15 days updated on 24-11-2016

www.onthegotours.comUK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] 1300 855 684 [email protected] 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686

This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

- 1 -

Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Nile

felucca cruising & time to relax

in Hurghada on the Red Sea.

Topped off with Jordan, home to

the stunning Rose City of Petra

(voted one of the New 7 Wonders

of the World), a 4x4 safari into

the desert of Wadi Rum and the

buoyant Dead Sea.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights• Rose City of Petra, Jordan• The Dead Sea, swim, opt for a mud bath,

rest & relaxation• Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau,

Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum• Aswan - Philae Temple, River Nile• Nile felucca cruising - islands en route• Kom Ombo - Temple of Kom Ombo• Edfu - Temple of Horus• Luxor - Temple of Karnak• Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon,

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut• Madaba, Jordan - Christian market town,

Church of St George, Jordan’s finestByzantine mosaics

• Hurghada - Red Sea coast - swim, relax, optto snorkel or scuba dive in the clear coastalwaters

• Wadi Rum desert and safari, Jordan

What's Included• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners• 8 nights 4 - 5 star hotels in Egypt, 3 nights

3-4 star hotels in Jordan, 1 night deluxedesert camp (Wadi Rum), 2 nights felucca(open deck)

• 1 overnight train: Cairo - Aswan (1st classsleeper cabin)

• Airport arrival and departure transfers onday 1, day 10 and day 15

• Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, KomOmbo, Edfu, Luxor, Petra, Wadi Rum andDead Sea,

• Hurghada - Red Sea - swim, sun and sand• Wadi Rum 4x4 desert safari• 2 days of leisure at the Dead Sea• Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree

qualified in Egyptology and a licensedJordanian guide throughout Jordan

• All relevant transfers and transportation inprivate modern air conditioned vehicles

What's Not Included• Tipping Kitty: USD$80-100, paid in local

currency• Entrance Fees: USD$240-260, paid in local

currency• International flights and visa. Please note

the flight between Cairo and Amman isnot included and needs to be bookedseparately - see Trip Notes for more info

• Tip for your tour guide. We recommendyou allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller.Tipping your guide is an entirely personalgesture.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 : CairoSaturday.. Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrivalat Cairo airport, you will be met by arepresentative from On The Go. The prominentsign depicting our company logo easilyidentifies our representative. Cairo InternationalAirport can appear to be a little chaotic tothe uninitiated, this is normal. Exiting theairport you will be escorted to our awaitingtransportation and transferred to your hotel.Here, your Egyptian adventure begins!

For those arriving a day or two earlier, one ofour team will be on hand to advise on wherebest to enjoy your extra time in Cairo in advanceof the tour commencing. Day one is designedto be an arrival day for all passengers, so thereare no formal arrangements on this first day.Overnight - Cairo

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan




- 2 -

Day 2 : Pyramids & Saqqara

Cairo - Aswan. After a good nights rest, wehave a full day of touring planned for today.You’ll need to have your bags packed as we’llbe travelling down to Aswan in southern Egypttonight. We then visit the famous pyramidsand huge Sphinx at Giza Plateau. Sole survivorsfrom the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders ofthe World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldesttourist attraction! Known as Cheops, Chephrenand Mycerinus, the pyramids were already morethan 2,000 years old when Herodotus theGreek historian visited them (5th century BC). Ahighly skilled corps of mathematicians, masons,surveyors and stone cutters carried out thejob of building the pyramids. 100,000 workerswere used to carry out the backbreakingtask of moving and laying the stones ofthe largest pyramid-Cheops. About 2.5 millionlimestone blocks, quarried locally and weighingin excess of 6 million tonnes, were used in theconstruction of Cheops.

Leaving the Pyramids of Giza, we visit agovernment supervised papyrus emporiumwhere you can buy genuine papyrus at quitereasonable prices. Continuing to the necropolisof Saqqara, we can explore the myriad tombsand temples at this site and see Zhoser’sstep pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, thepharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC!

Later there will be a chance to have dinner andfreshen up. Entrance fees and tip kitty will becollected at this time. This evening we board theovernight sleeper train to Aswan. Overnight -Sleeper Train (B)

Day 3 : Philae Temple

We arrive into Aswan and check into our hotelbefore heading off on a boat trip to AgilikaIsland to see the beautiful Philae Temple -dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple datesfrom 4th century BC but the Ptolomies and theRomans up to 3rd century AD built most of theexisting structures. Later, free time to perhapsenjoy some shopping in the colourful souksand markets or simply relax in this attractivetown which straddles the River Nile. Overnight- Aswan (B)

Day 4 : Abu Simbel

Aswan – Nile felucca cruise - Kom Ombo. Todaythere is an optional early morning excursionto Abu Simbel. Travelling due south throughthe vast sandy desert we arrive at the site. AbuSimbel - the gargantuan rock-cut temple ofKing Ramses II, the Great Builder is possibly themost awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt,with its mammoth rock-cut façade. Abu Simbelwas created to revere the mighty pharaonicruler King Ramses II. Guarding the entrance tothe temple, the four famous colossal statues ofRamses II sit majestically, staring out across thedesert, seemingly since time began. In a multi-million dollar operation in 1972, the templewas famously re-located further up from theshoreline of Lake Nasser, which had threatenedto erode the foundations of this monolithictemple complex.

If you choose not to embark upon this optionalexcursion, there is plenty to do in Aswan,before our early afternoon departure on ourNile felucca cruise. You can relax at the hotel,explore Aswan and its beautiful shoreline andcorniche or perhaps do a spot of shopping. Thisafternoon, we board our wind-powered Nilefelucca for a 2-night voyage on the River Niledownstream to Daraw and onward by road toKom Ombo. Feluccas are simple sailboats basedon a unique design and have plied the mightyNile since ancient times.

Our feluccas are proudly owned and crewedby friendly local sailors and they havebeen adapted to comfortably carry ourtravellers. NOTE: As feluccas are wind-powered,our itinerary cannot be rigidly defined. Afelucca support boat accompanies your feluccaproviding toilets, washing facilities and a cosydining area. The felucca sails during the day,and prior to sundown, the anchor is droppedand we moor at the riverside for the night.The craft carries between 5-12 passengerscomfortably and the deck is strewn with softcolorful cushions and rugs and equipped witha canopy that offers shade and protection fromthe elements. Nothing beats the experience ofsleeping under a blanket of stars. You’ll need tobring a sleeping bag/sleeping sheet and also atowel with you. Soft drinks, water and beer canbe purchased aboard.

2 PERSON MINIMUM REQUIRED FORFELUCCA CRUISES: Our felucca cruise operatessubject to a minimum of 2 persons. This is arequirement of the local authority governingthe waterway. Should you be the only personbooked on the felucca, (we will inform you ofthis at minimum 20 days prior to departure)you will need to upgrade to a Nile Cruise(details below) at a personal cost. The singlesupplement for the Nile Cruise Upgrade wouldalso need to be paid by you, should we not beable to find a person for you to share a roomwith, which we will try our best to do.

THE NILE FELUCCA CRUISE: Before boardingthe felucca, it is important you prepare a daybag - taking care to pack things you feel you’llneed during the cruise, as your large bag willbe placed below in below deck storage. If you

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan




- 3 -

are unable to swim, you must advise your tourleader before boarding the felucca.

5 STAR NILE CRUISER: Those travellers whohave opted and paid the supplement to travelaboard the 5 Star Nile cruiser will be providedwith their cruising schedule upon arrival inCairo. Boarding of the cruise boat will be on day3 for a period of 3 nights, or on day 4 for a periodof 3 nights. You will be advised prior to arrival inAswan. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B, L, D)

Day 5 : Felucca Cruise

Spend a relaxing day sailing the Nile. Admire theviews, go for a swim and chill out in the sun ondeck. Let your troubles melt away, as the feluccaplies its route. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B, L,D)

Day 6 : Edfu Temple & Luxor

Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor – breakfast.Disembarking in Daraw, a short drive takesus to Kom Ombo. After enjoying a guidedtour of the temple here we continue to theTemple of Horus at Edfu. Having the distinctionof being the largest and most completelypreserved pharaonic, albeit Greek-built, templein Egypt, the Temple of Horus was one ofthe last monumental temples built on a largescale. Although Edfu is much newer than thetemples of Karnak and Luxor, its excellent stateof structural preservation fills in a lot of historicalgaps because it is, in effect, a 2000 year old

replica of an architectural style that was alreadyage-old during Ptolemaic times.

Back on the bus, we drive north to Luxor.Home of the legendary Valley of the Kingsand Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor isancient Egypt at its best. Checking into our 5star hotel the afternoon is free for swimmingor relaxing by the pool. Tonight, we have theopportunity to visit Luxor Temple with dinnerafterwards. Built by Amenophis III, Luxor Templelooks stunning at night when it's illuminated byhundreds of lights. Book/pay locally at approxUSD$20 including entrance fees. Remainder ofthe evening is at leisure. Overnight - Luxor (B)

Day 7 : Valley of the Kings

There is the option to take flight over ancientLuxor with a hot air balloon ride early thismorning before meeting the rest of the groupon the West Bank of the Nile for the day'stouring. An early start allows us to avoidsome of the fierce heat as we venture tothe awesome Valley of the Kings. The firstmonument you’ll see on the West Bank is theimposing 18m-high Colossi of Memnon, whichrepresent the remains of the temple of thehedonistic Amenophis III.

The Valley of the Kings is studded with oftenhighly decorated pharaoh's tombs, some ofwhich you can enter. Some of the tombs areso well preserved; the colours of the incrediblepharaonic friezes are still as vibrant as when theywere first painted. The best known tombs arethose of Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II and ofcourse, the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Beyondthe Valley of the Kings is Deir al- Bahri, otherwiseknown as the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.Rising out of the desert plain, in a series ofterraces, it is one of Egypt’s finest and mostphotographed monuments.

We return to the east bank around midday,where we have a chance to relax by the hotelpool. Meeting up mid afternoon, we visit thecolossal Temple of Karnak. More than a temple,Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries,pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicatedto the Theban gods and to the greater gloryof Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.Overnight - Luxor (B)

Days 8-9 : Red Sea R&R

Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor on day 8,we drive east to Hurghada which is part ofthe beautiful Red Sea Riviera! The remainderof today and tomorrow offer free time for youto explore or simply relax. On day 9 there's anoptional day trip to Giftun Island for swimmingand snorkelling, which can be booked locally.

Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's mostpopular resorts and it is easy to see why.Hotels and expanded infrastructure provideholidaymakers with excellent aquatic facilitiesfor sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing,SCUBA diving and snorkelling. Hurghada’scentral location provides a gateway to primeoffshore reefs, which are some of the finest inthe world. The Red Sea resort also has plentyof restaurants and late night bars for eveningentertainment.

Snorkelling at Giftun Island – 325 LE per personpayable locally. Join a day trip snorkelling andswimming at Giftun Island. You’ll be transferredby motor boat to across the blue water ofthe Red Sea to Giftun Island, the journey isapproximately an hour. The boat will moor upand there is an opportunity to jump into thewarm waters (mask and snorkel provided) toswim and marvel at the amazing marine life.Look out for parrot fish, butterfly fish, trumpetfish and angel fish – some times of the year it isalso possible to see turtles and even dolphins!

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan




- 4 -

After snorkelling the boat continues on to theisland for a lunch stop (including soft drink ormineral water). If time allows you can also lazeby the beach catching some rays before headingback to shore. Departs 08:15 returning 16:30approx.

Please note that this is not operated by On TheGo and the arrangements on the day are at thecaptain’s discretion. It is also a shared excursionso there could well be other people not part ofyour group on the boat. Overnight - Hurghada(B:2)

Day 10 : Egyptian Museum &fly to Jordan

Hurghada - Cairo - Amman - Petra (Monday).We have a very early start this morning (around6am) as we drive back to Cairo. A breakfastbox is provided. The journey takes between5 and 6 hours and once we arrive in thecity we head straight to the Egyptian Museumfor an informative guided tour. The EgyptianMuseum holds a mind-boggling array of relicsand antiquities from almost every period ofancient Egyptian history are housed in themuseum, making it one of the foremost in theworld. Arguably the most famous exhibit is thesolid gold funerary mask of King Tutankhamun.Made of solid gold and weighing 11kg, the maskwas found covering the head of mummy, whereit lay inside a series of 3 sarcophagi. You can alsoopt to see also the Royal Mummies for a smalladditional fee, if you wish.

Once we have finished here we head to theairport to fly to Jordan on MS 701 departingCairo at 16:45/16:55/17:05/17:55, arriving toAmman, Jordan at 17:55/18:05/19:15. Note theflight take off and landing times vary a little,but the correct flight is certainly the MS 701.Travellers need to independently book and payfor this flight themselves, it is not included in the

cost of the tour. NOTE: If travelling on 22 Dec2016 departure your flight is still the MS701 onSat 31 Dec 2016 and if travelling on 27 Dec 2016departure your flight is also the MS701 on Thu05 Jan 2017. If your tour commences after 01 Sep2017, please do not book this flight at this pointin time. Upon arrival in Amman we are met byour representatives in Jordan and transferred byroad to Petra - a further 3 hours away.

Flights between Cairo and Amman are bestbooked via the Egyptair website: http://www.egyptair.com/English/Pages/Default.aspxHere, if you book your flight well in advance youwill have access to the online ‘Best Offer’ farethat is only published on the web and are notavailable to us locally to book on your behalf.The cost of this flight ranges from: $190 - $360.

*Only breakfast is provided on this day. Therewill be a lunch stop when in Cairo (either beforeor after the museum). Make sure you stock upon snacks in Hurghada before you leave. Thereshould be the opportunity to eat at the airportand a light in-flight meal will be served howeverthere may not be an opportunity to have aproper meal when we get to Jordan. Overnight- Petra (B)

Day 11 : The Rose City of Petra

This morning you will need to introduce yourselfto our Jordan tour group, who have travellingin the north of Jordan for the past 4 days. Afterdoing so its time to discover the archaeologicaltreasures of Petra! We first take a walk throughthe winding cleft in the rock that is known as theSiq, before reaching the awe-inspiring Treasury.This rose red building actually served as a royaltomb, but got its name from the legend thatpirates hid their treasure there. More amazingNabataean and Roman ruins follow, including ahuge 8000 seat amphitheatre and other Royaltombs and Mausoleums. After the guided tour,

you’re free to head off and further explore. Theintrepid can ascend hundreds of rock cut stepsto Ad-Deir (better known as the Monastery)which is simply spectacular.

Consider opting to book our Petra Kitchen bolt-on tonight and learn how to cook deliciousJordanian cuisine. Overnight - Petra (B)

Day 12 : Petra & Wadi RumDesert

Petra - Wadi Rum. There is a chance to revisitPetra this morning before our afternoon driveto Wadi Rum. A vast, silent landscape of ancientriverbeds, pastel coloured stretches of sandydesert and amazing rock formations known asjebels that rise from the desert floor awaits.Boarding 4x4 jeeps, we take an exhilaratingdesert safari across the sand dunes, taking in thebreathtaking scenery of Wadi Rum. Tonight, weenjoy a Jordanian dinner at our desert camp.Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D)

Day 13 : Crusader Castles,Wadi Mujib Canyoning & theDead Sea

Wadi Rum - Karak – Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. Afterbreakfast at the campsite, we head north alongthe Desert Highway. Taking a drive throughthe busy market town of Karak under thetowering shadows of the Karak Crusader Castle,descending some 1300 meters to the Dead Sea,the lowest point on the earth’s surface. More

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan




- 5 -

than 500 meters below sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is the world’s original health andbeauty spa. Drift out and bob in the waters andslap on some of the famous black Dead Sea mudto give your skin an invigorating boost.

For departures between April and October we’llhead up the King’s Highway to Wadi Mujib.We’ll embark on a moderate –paced two hourtrek along the Siq Trail. Measuring 500 metresin depth and spanning 4 kilometres across,the impressive Wadi Mujib is one of Jordan’smost remarkable natural features. This dramaticcanyon features sheer rocky walls and sparklingwaterways that range from puddle height todepths that are perfect for swimming (chestheight or deeper) depending on the rainfall. Thecanyon is just one feature of the Mujib BiosphereReserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world,home to a surprising diversity of wildlife andplant species. After our trek we make our way tothe Dead Sea.

For those not interested in taking the hike, youare able to wait by the Visitor Centre till thegroup returns. After our trek we make our wayto the Dead Sea.

Note: Lunch and dinner at the Dead Sea are notincluded in our stay. A buffet lunch is offereddaily at a cost of 13 JD and a dinner buffetnightly at a cost of 19 JD per person. There is alsoan a la carte menu and other restaurant choiceavailable onsite. Overnight - Dead Sea (B)

Day 14 : Dead Sea Free Time

The lowest point on the earth’s surface at 400mbelow sea level, the Dead Sea is a naturalphenomena and high on most travellers’ bucketlists. Lucky for us we have a whole day tospend here, whiling away the time bobbing inits mineral-rich buoyant waters and lathering upwith a detoxifying mud bath. Option to visit the

Ma’in hot springs and the site where it is thoughtJesus Christ was baptised by John (book locally).Overnight - Dead Sea (B)

Day 15 : Dead Sea - AmmanAirport

Saturday. Dead Sea - Amman. Today our holidaytogether comes to an end. Today we offerdeparture transfer to Amman airport at 00:30,08:30 and 13:30. If you would like a departuretransfer at any other time or a transfer with posttour accommodation this can be arranged at anadditional cost.(B)

Wadi Mujib Siq Trail]Between 1st April and 31st October you havethe option to take an easy walk through thecanyons of Wadi Mujib in Jordan. Starting atthe visitor's centre near the Mujib Bridge wherewe take the cantilevered walkway over the damand follow the course of the river betweentowering sandstone cliffs to the base of a largewaterfall. Depending on seasonal rainfall levels,the gorge may contain pools deep enough forswimming. It's an ideal walk to take slowly andenjoy the cool water and shade, especially inthe heat of the summer. Despite being relativelyeasy, it does have hidden risks. The river bedchanges after each winter flood and this cancreate deep pools and strong currents. Alwaystake care along the walk, avoid pools and rapidsand respect any rope barriers.

What you need to bring:Clothes: Should be light and comfortable. T-shirts and long shorts are advisable (to protectlegs). You are advised to wear a bathing suitunder their clothes and bear in mind that alltheir clothes will get totally wet so don’t wearanything that you don’t mind getting ruined.Shoes will also get totally wet. Therefore wearsomething that is not slippery and avoid flipflops or things. You may wear hiking sandals as

well. Sunscreen is important along with caps.(The beginning of the hike is under the sun butlater it is shaded with the mountains). You maywant to bring clothes to change into after thewalk.

Wadi Rum Desert CampWe include a night in the Wadi Rum desert inJordan where you can choose to camp under thestars or in tents at our remote Bedouin camp.Our camp is set amongst towering weatheredsandstone rocks and rolling red sand dunes.It has permanent tents with twin beds (raisedoff the ground), proper toilets and a coldwater showers. There is a large communal tent,roughly 10m x 6m with proper seating for diningand another area with low tables and cushionsscattered about where we gather at night. Eachevening traditional Bedouin food is served andtheir is often a little light entertainment aroundthe campfire . Desert camping, although basic,is fun and it's the best way to experience WadiRum.

Freshly laundered bedding is provided at ourcamp and there are plenty of blankets, althoughif visiting in winter (Nov - Mar) you may wishto bring your own winterweight sleeping bag ifyou really feel the cold, as temperatures will fallclose to zero. This is an entirely personal choice.

Climate in JordanThe maximum daily temperature in Ammanranges from 12°C in January to 32°C in August.The weather in the Jordan Valley (Petra) andsouth of the country is very hot during thesummer months of April through to Septemberwhen daytime temperatures can exceed 38°Cand reach as high as 49°C. The sun can be fierceso it is advised to apply plenty of sunscreen,especially at the Dead Sea.

In winter (December to February) temperaturescan range from 0°C to 12°C. If visiting duringwinter, you will need to pack warm clothes forsightseeing, although the Dead Sea region willstill be quite warm. If your holiday includes a stayin the Wadi Rum desert, winter wear items suchas hat, scarf and gloves are also advised.

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan




- 6 -

Currency & Entrance Fees inJordanThe currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar.Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and othermajor currencies can be exchanged in Jordan.Exchange facilities are available at variousbureau de changes and banks in major townshave ATMs. It's advisable to request banknotes in smaller denominations, as it cansometimes be hard to get change from largenotes and smaller notes are handy for smallerpurchases and gratuities. Traveller's Chequesare not recommended as they're often difficultto exchange and incur high fees.

Funds collected in Jordan for entrance feesor optional excursion that you may wish toundertake are payable in local currency (JD).

Time & VoltageJordan is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime(GMT). From the last Sunday in March to thelast Sunday in October Jordan observes DaylightSaving and is 3 hours ahead of GMT. Standardvoltage is 220 volts. Primary sockets require theEuropean, 2 pronged variety. We recommendthat you pack a universal travel adaptor. You willneed a voltage converter, and plug adaptor inorder to use U.S. appliances.

Petra Park Services ChargeThe cost of the entrance ticket to Petra includesa compulsory Petra Park Services Charge of(7JD) to ride an Arabian Horse inside Petra. Thisgovernment approved directive is in supportof the local Bedouins who own the horses andlive locally. As you have paid this obligatorycharge, you are entitled to ride a horse 800mdown to the entrance gate if you would liketo. IMPORTANTLY - On The Go Tours onlyrecommends that you do so if you are anexperienced rider. Through experience we haveobserved that some of the horses can beuncontrollable and very fiery and if the Bedouinriders race past you, your horse may take flightand follow suit. You’ll also need to tip the horsehandler an extra 2JD.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

VisasEgypt

Please be advised that visa requirements aresubject to change and that visa procurement isthe responsibility of the traveller and not On TheGo Tours. Please also ensure that your passportis valid for at least 6 months from your planneddate of departure from Egypt.

After booking your holiday, please provide uswith your passport details as soon as possible sothat we can proceed to book trains and flightstickets on your behalf, if included within yourholiday.

Visas are required by all visitors to Egypt. It stillremains possible for nationals of some countriesto procure their tourist visa upon arrival at CairoInternational Airport. Costs are currently USD25/ GBP 15/ Euro 20/ EGP 175. Please note thatin the event of visa refusal at port of entry, OnThe Go Tours cannot be held responsible.

Contrary to the above the Egyptian Embassyrecommends that all visitors to Egypt procurea visa in advance of arrival. Please contactyour nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate forapplication forms, processing times and costs.

Note: When filling in an Egyptian visa form, youwill be asked to provide your address in Egypt.For the purposes of this form, please use eitherof the following addresses:

Oasis HotelCairo - Alexandria Desert Road,Pyramids, Giza 12556, EgyptTel: +20 238387333, +20 23838766

Le Meridien PyramidsEl Remaya Square,Pyramids, Cairo, 12561, EgyptTel: +20 2 33777070

JordanA visa is required for most nationalities visitingJordan. If you are travelling with On The GoTours (a registered tour company), this is nowobtainable upon arrival and free of charge. If youare a UK, EU, AUS, NZ, SA, CAN and USA passportholders and travelling with us, (on a holidayincluding a stay of more than 2 consecutivenights in Jordan or if arriving via a land borderstaying more than 3 nights) we will arrange the

visa for your stay/s and present it to you uponarrival.

Our airport representative will meet your PRIORto immigration at Amman International Airportand escort you through immigration presentingyour free visa approval letter to officials.

Please be sure to provide us with your fullpassport details at least 4 weeks prior to yourarrival in order for the free visa to be arranged.

Should you NOT wish to take advantage of afree visa or you are not staying in Jordan formore than 2 consecutive nights, UK, EU, AUS, NZ,CAN and USA passport holders can obtain a visaupon arrival at a cost of 40JD/USD$57/Euro42for single entry. South African passport holderscan obtain a visa upon arrival at no cost.

On departure (via land or sea), a 5 - 8JDdeparture tax of is applied to all visitors. Ifdeparting Jordan by air then the departure taxis included in the airfare.

IsraelBritish, South African, Australian, New Zealand,USA and Canadian passport holders do notrequire a visa to enter Israel. For all othernationalities please visit the Israeli embassywebsite.

Please be advised visa requirements are subjectto change, therefore it is essential that you checkcurrent visa requirements with the embassybefore travel.

TroubleshootingThese things will most likely never happen, butit’s good to be prepared if they ever do. Hereare a few tips to keep your trip hassle-free.Egypt is no worse than anywhere else whenit comes to crime. The biggest problem seemsto be petty theft, including pick-pocketing andbag snatching. Minimise your chances of beingrobbed with these tips:• Leave valuables in the hotel safe deposit or

better still, at home• Keep bags locked at all times with a

combination/padlock. Bags should also belocked including when being transferred invehicles, onboard the train, felucca or whentaking a flight.

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan




- 7 -

• Carry your passport on your person or aphotocopy as ID

• Carry your bag close to your person ratherthan over your shoulder

• Travel in a group or pair, especially if you arefemale

• Don’t catch cabs late at night on your own• Never drink anything offered to you in the

street, unless you opened it yourselfPlease note On The Go Tours will not be heldliable for loss or damage to personal propertyunder any circumstances.

It's not like homeTravel to far - flung corners of the earth involveslifestyles and conditions that are sometimesvery different from what you are used toback home. You must come prepared to copewith unusual situations, local inadequacies andunpredictable events as and when they occur.Foreign travel is definitely not suitable forpeople who expect or demand everything togo exactly as planned. With the greatest respectand in the interest of your ultimate enjoymentyou must understand this. Things can and dochange in foreign countries.

Entrance FeesEntry fees to sites of antiquity are not included,although reasonably priced. In Egypt, we collectentrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amountis noted under exclusions). A breakdown ofthe entrance fee total is provided upon arrival.However, camel rides around the pyramids areadditional and warrant a bargaining session.

All funds collected in Egypt for entrance feesand optional excursions that you may wishto undertake are payable in local currency -Egyptian Pounds (EGP).

If travelling onto Jordan, entrance fees there arepayable in Jordanian Dinar (JD). In Israel (on ourPyramids Petra Promised Land tour) entrancefees are included.

Tipping KittyAt the start of your tour (excluding our Jewelof the Nile), we take a small tipping kitty (theamount is noted under exclusions) from alltour participants to cover tips throughout yourholiday. This saves you the hassle of knowingwhen and how much to tip bellhops, luggage

luggers, bus drivers, antiquity guards, trainconductors and other support staff throughoutthe tour.

This amount does not include a tip for your tourguide OR felucca/Nile Cruise crew. For a job welldone, we would suggest USD$3 - 5 per day foryour tour guide and USD$8 - 12 for that felucca/Nile cruise crew. Tipping your guide and crew isan entirely personal gesture and ultimately theamount is up to you.

Your tipping kitty in Egypt is collected in localcurrency - Egyptian Pounds (EGP). If you aretravelling on to Jordan, the tipping kitty for thatportion of your trip will be collected in JordanianDinar (JD).

In Israel (on our Pyramids Petra Promised Landtour) we do not collect a tipping kitty. As aguideline we recommend that you budget USD$4-6 per day per traveller for your guide andUSD$2-3 per day per traveller for your driver(payable in Israeli New Shekel ILS) in Israel.Although tipping your guide and driver is anentirely personal gesture.

CurrencyThe currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound.

Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and othermajor currencies can be exchanged in Egypt.Exchange facilities are available at variousbureau de changes and all major towns haveATMs. It's advisable to request bank notes insmaller denominations, as it can sometimesbe hard to get change from large notes andsmaller notes are handy for smaller purchasesand gratuities. Traveller's Cheques are notrecommended as they're often difficult toexchange and incur high fees.

Health RequirementsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Egypt from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that you receive allof the appropriate vaccinations. As a guideTetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A andRabies are strongly recommended. As tap wateris not safe to drink in Egypt, only drink bottledmineral water which is readily available inhotels, shops and restaurants.

ClimateTemperatures in Egypt are generally high (25- 30 degrees) and even hotter in the summermonths from May to September, when the suncan be fierce and temperatures soar, so packlight comfortable clothing, sunscreen and a hat.

In Cairo and the Nile Delta region, winter(October to February) can be cooler - so takea jacket, long-sleeved tops and trousers forthe cooler evenings. The south remains warmduring this time but again, temperatures dodrop in the evenings. Rainfall is negligible withthe most falling along Egypt’s Mediterraneancoastline.

Time & VoltageEgypt is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). Standard voltage is 220 volts. Primarysockets require the European, 2 pronged variety.We recommend that you pack a universal traveladaptor. You will need a voltage converter, andplug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.

Essential Packing• Sleeping bag for the felucca or for camping in

the White Desert (if applicable to your tour)• Lightweight cotton garments• Comfortable walking shoes for the Pyramids

and Valley of the Kings Pack flip flops/thongs/jandals to wear aboard the Nilefelucca or Nile Cruiser

• DEET based mosquito repellant &antihistamine cream

• 2 pin, European electrical adaptor• Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of

your passport• A small daypack for your day-to-day needs• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume

and torch• Optional - Sleep sheet or sleeping bag if

travelling with us to Jordan and staying atour Wadi Rum camp. All bedding (which isfreshly laundered) is provided at Wadi Rumand therefore bringing a sleeping bag is nota necessity but your own personal choice

If doing a felucca cruise or travelling betweenNovember and March, pack warm clothes (i.e. –fleece, jacket, trousers, jeans, hat and scarf) astemperatures plummet at night.

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan




- 8 -

Arrival TransfersA complimentary airport arrival transfer isincluded in your tour. Upon arrival at CairoAirport you will be met by a representativefrom On The Go Tours either just beforeimmigration or in the baggage hall near theluggage belt of your respective arriving flight.The prominent sign depicting our companylogo easily identifies our representative. Pleasehave your tour voucher handy and make itavailable to our representative. After collectingyour luggage you will be escorted to ourawaiting transportation.

If, for any reason you have trouble locatingour representative (after waiting 20 minutesin the arrival hall) or your flight to Egypt isdelayed, please call or send a text message tothe emergency contact number as stated onyour tour voucher.

Travelling by overnight trainFor journeys between Cairo and Aswan and/orLuxor, we utilise the overnight 1st class sleepertrain service. On the train the two berth cabinsare lockable, equipped with bunk beds, linen,washbasin and towel, allowing passengers torelax and stretch out. A simple dinner andbreakfast is included on the service. Dinner,served within an hour of your boarding is ofa very average standard and we recommendthat you eat dinner prior to boarding the train.A basis breakfast is served in the morning andtea and coffee is offered complimentary. Thereis a bar carriage located toward the centre ofthe train where hot and cold beverages can bepurchased, and sometimes alcohol. The sleepertrain is the highest class of rail travel available inEgypt, though by western standards it would beconsidered of a moderate standard.

We always request our cabins to be side byside in the same carriage, though ultimately thelocation of our cabins, and whether they aretogether rests with the rail authority.

If you are a solo traveller and have opted toshare a room for your tour and not pay thesingle supplement you will be sharing a cabinwith another On The Go traveller, or if this isn'tpossible, a member of the public (of the samesex).

EtiquetteDespite the inevitable ups and downs oftravelling abroad, you will generally be showngreat hospitality in Egypt. In return, pleasedemonstrate sensitivity and respect for the localcustoms. Egypt is a Muslim country; so careshould be taken to dress respectfully in largecities and towns, for example, when at marketsand in public places.• Ladies should avoid wearing ‘clingy, tight or

suggestive’ attire, and stick to cool, flowing,cottons in busy city areas and markets

• Take care to dress conservatively and ensurethat limbs are covered and remove footwearprior to entering a mosque

• Ex-military style clothing should not be worn• Ask permission before taking photographs

of people• The standard form of greeting is a

handshake. Men and women do not kiss atany time as a form of greeting

Mosques, Religion &Ramadan90% of the population are Muslim. Others areCoptic Christians or followers of other faiths.All mosques (with the exception of SayyidaZeinab and Al-Hussein in Cairo) are open to non-Muslims but cannot be visited during prayertimes. For Egypt’s best mosques, go to IslamicCairo. Dress conservatively. Ensure limbs arecovered and shoes removed when entering anyMosque. Men must refrain from wearing shorts,as must women.

RAMADANRamadan is a month of fasting observed byMuslims throughout the world and adherentsof the Muslim faith fast during daylight hoursand break their fast with lavish meals andlively celebrations in the evening. Ramadanculminates a month later in a 3 day celebrationcalled Eid al - Fitr. Many shops (excluding thosewhich cater mainly to tourists) and attractionsclose earlier during Ramadan. As such wewill start our tour earlier during this periodto make the best use of time, leisure timewill be offered in the late afternoon. Note:Traffic is exceptionally heavy during Ramadan,especially toward the time of breaking the fast.Forthcoming Ramadan dates are as follows,(approximate) -

27 May - 25 June 201716 May - 14 June 2018

Many shops (excluding those which catermainly to tourists) and attractions close earlierduring Ramadan, so our itinerary is slightlyaltered to ensure we visit all itinerary attractions.Non Muslims are not expected to fast overRamadan, but it is considered impolite to eatfood or drink on the street.

ShoppingEgypt is a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. While Cairo'sKhan al-Khalili bazaar is cavernous and fullof unusual and everyday objects, smallersouqs and bazaars abound in other towns,too. Top buys include - perfume concentrate,carpets and rugs in innumerable hand-loomeddesigns, backgammon boards, hand-craftedshisha pipes, Pharaonic objects fashioned inmarble and alabaster, Egyptian cotton clothingand of course - authentic papyrus.

IMPORTANT: Set your budget and don’t beswayed, remember the caveat – ‘Let the buyerbeware’. Any purchases made whilst on holidaywith us, irrespective of whether the store isrecommended by us or other, are at yourown discretion. Please make sure that you arecompletely happy with the product you arepurchasing and the delivery arrangements (wewould recommend you take away with youany purchases rather than rely on shippingservices). On The Go cannot be held responsibleor accountable for items bought in country orshipping arrangements. Proceed with caution.

Documents

Road to Jordancdn.onthegotours.com/.../goguides/2016-Go-Guide-Road-to-Jordan-15-days.pdf · TRIP NOTES Road to Jordan Road to Jordan - 15 days updated on 24-11-2016 UK 020 7371 1113